SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) La Union joined the nationwide tree-hugging campaign in Santol town on Feb. 14 as an alternative way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. 
 
The tree-hugging campaign, which ran from Feb. 12 to 16, aims to raise awareness of the importance of nurturing forests and the benefits of tree-hugging to a person’s well-being.

In her message, Pia Nerwina Corsino, information officer of PENRO La Union, said, “Tree hugging is a simple and enjoyable way to improve our mental health. It promotes relaxation, improves one’s mood, and leads to feelings of peace and contentment. It also helps us conceptualize our thoughts and reminds us of our role as stewards of God’s creation.”
 
Moreover, she said the initiative is an outlet for expressing love for nature and appreciating the benefits the trees offer.
 
The tree-hugging movement originated in the 1970s in Northern India known as the “Chipko Movement” which saved the forests by emphasizing the interdependence of humans and the environment.
 
“This activity will effect positive change to make the community more involved in taking action towards the protection and conservation of our forests,” Corsino said.

This activity was participated in by 21 personnel of PENRO La Union, with the assistance of the municipal government of Santol, and the owner of the private tree plantation, Ronaldo Alipio. 
 
PENRO encourages the public to support the advocacies of the DENR by participating in activities that contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources.   (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)